6-Allyl-6-nor-lysergic acid diethylamide (also known as N-allyl-nor-lysergic acid N,N-diethylamide,[1]N-allyl-nor-LSD,[1] or commonly as AL-LAD[1]) is a novel psychedelic substance of the lysergamide class. AL-LAD is chemically similar to LSD and has a similar mechanism of action, working primarily by binding to serotonin receptors in the brain.

AL-LAD was first investigated in 1984 by Andrew J. Hoffman and David Nichols as part of a series of LSD analogs, which also included ETH-LAD and PRO-LAD.[2] Its activity in humans was later documented by Alexander Shulgin in his book TiHKAL ("Tryptamines I Have Known and Loved"), in which it is described as "considerably less dramatic".[3] In 2013, AL-LAD appeared for sale on the research chemical market,[4] where it has been commonly marketed alongside lysergamides such as 1P-LSD, ALD-52 and ETH-LAD as a legal, grey-market alternative to LSD.

User reports describe the effects of AL-LAD as similar to those of LSD with some subtle differences. It is thought to either be equally or moderately less potent than LSD itself, with an active dose reported at between 75 and 150 micrograms. It is often described as being more visually-oriented but with a less introspective headspace. It also has a moderately shorter duration and is generally considered to be a less anxiety-provoking and challenging version of LSD.

Very little data exists about the pharmacological properties, metabolism, and toxicity of AL-LAD. While it is often characterized by users as being generally more recreational and non-threatening compared to LSD, it is highly advised to approach this highly potent hallucinogenic substance with the proper amount of precaution and harm reduction practices if using it.

Chemistry

AL-LAD, or 6-allyl-6-nor-lysergic acid diethylamide, is a semisynthetic alkaloid of the lysergamide family. AL-LAD is a structural analog of lysergic acid, with an N,N-diethylamide functional group bound to RN of the chemical structure. AL-LAD's chemical structure contains a bicyclic hexahydroindole fused to a bicyclic quinoline group (nor-lysergic acid). Unlike LSD, AL-LAD does not contain a methyl group substituted at R6 of its nor-lysergic acid skeleton, this is represented by the nor- prefix. Instead, AL-LAD is substituted at R6 with an allyl group comprised of a methylene bridge bound to a vinyl substituent. At carbon 8 of the quinoline a N,N-diethyl carboxamide is bound.

AL-LAD is a chiral compound with two stereocenters at R5 and R8. AL-LAD, also called (+)-D-AL-LAD, has an absolute configuration of (5R, 8R). The three other stereoisomers of AL-LAD do not have psychoactive properties.[5]

Pharmacology

AL-LAD likely acts as a 5-HT2Apartial agonist. The psychedelic effects are believed to come from AL-LAD's efficacy at the 5-HT2A receptors. However, the role of these interactions and how they result in the psychedelic experience continues to remain an object of scientific elucidation.

AL-LAD shares many common traits with its parent compound LSD; in humans it appears to be roughly equal (if slightly less) in potency as well as similar in mechanism although the progression and duration of effects are compressed (while remaining qualitatively less intense and more manageable - perhaps due to being catabolised more readily). In rats, however, AL-LAD was measured to be around twice the potency of LSD,[2] although anecdotal reports by humans have reported to be about equipotent if not slightly less potently psychoactive as LSD.

Subjective effects

While its subjective effects largely overlap with those of LSD, AL-LAD is commonly reported to be significantly shorter in its duration and less uncomfortable in both its negative physical side effects and general anxiety. Some users have proposed that this compound could potentially serve as an effective introductory psychedelic, alongside other shorter-lasting and manageable psychedelics like 2C-B or 4-HO-MET.

The effects listed below are based upon the subjective effects index and personal experiences of PsychonautWikicontributors. These effects should be taken with a grain of salt and will rarely (if ever) occur all at once, but heavier doses will increase the chances of inducing a full range of effects. Likewise, adverse effects become much more likely on higher doses and may include serious injury or death.

Physical effects

Stimulation - In terms of its effects on the physical energy levels of the user, AL-LAD is regarded as being able primarily stimulating in nature in the same vein as LSD. This is in distinction to other, more commonly used psychedelics such as psilocybin which are more consistent in producing sedation and relaxedness.

Spontaneous bodily sensations - The "body high" of AL-LAD can be described as proportionally intense in comparison to its accompanying visual and cognitive effects. It behaves as a euphoric, fast-moving, sharp and location specific tingling sensation. For some, it is manifested spontaneously at different unpredictable points throughout the experience, but for most it maintains a steady presence that rises with the onset and hits its limit once the peak has been reached. In comparison to LSD, it is a little less sharp in the tingling sensations it produces as but is otherwise essentially indistinguishable.

Physical euphoria - It should be noted that this effect is not as reliably induceable as it is with substances like stimulants or entactogens, and can just as easily manifest as physical discomfort without any apparent reason.

Changes in felt bodily form - This effect is often accompanied by a sense of warmth or unity and usually occurs during and up to the peak of the experience or directly afterward. Users can feel as if they are physically part of or conjoined with other objects. This is usually reported as feeling comfortable and peaceful in its sensations.

Tactile enhancement - Feelings of enhanced tactile sensations are consistently present at moderate levels throughout most AL-LAD trips. If level 8A geometry is reached, an intense sensation of suddenly becoming aware of and being able to feel every single nerve ending across a person's entire body all at once becomes consistently present.

Temperature regulation suppression - This component can occur with the use of any lysergamide or psychedelic, but reports suggest it may be pronounced in AL-LAD. It is highly advised that users of this compound, especially at heavier doses, monitor their bodily temperature and use techniques like hot showers or cold packs to regulate their core and brain temperature throughout the experience, and to generally always maintain proximity to a climate-controlled environment.

Nausea - Mild nausea is occasionally reported when this substance is consumed in moderate to high dosages, usually during the peak, and either passes soon after the user has vomited or gradually fades by itself as the peak sets in.

Seizure - This is an effect whose likelihood is largely extrapolated from the seizures that have been reported from the use of LSD. They are thought to mainly be a risk in those who are genetically predisposed to them, particularly while accompanied by physically taxing conditions such as dehydration, fatigue or undernourishment.

Visual effects

Enhancements

Distortions

Drifting(melting, breathing, morphing and flowing) - In comparison to other psychedelics, this effect can be described as highly detailed yet cartoon-like in appearance. The distortions are slow and smooth in motion and fleeting in their appearance. This is nearly identical in appearance to the visual drifting which occurs under the influence of LSD.

The visual geometry evoked by AL-LAD can be described as more similar in appearance to that of LSD, 2C-B or 4-HO-MET than psilocin, LSA or DMT. It can be comprehensively described through its variations as primarily intricate in complexity, algorithmic in form, unstructured in organization, brightly lit, colourful and cartoonish in scheme, organic in feel, flat in shading, soft in its edges, large in size, slow in speed, smooth in motion, either angular or round in its corners, non-immersive in-depth and consistent in intensity. At higher dosages, it consistently results in states of Level 8B visual geometry over Level 8A.

In comparison to LSD specifically, AL-LAD's geometry tends to be more rounded in its corners, slightly softer in its edges, warmer in hue, and slightly less intricate in its form. Aside from this, it is otherwise identical in its appearance.

Hallucinatory states

AL-LAD is capable of producing a full range of low and high level hallucinatory states in a fashion that is a less consistent and reproducible than that of many other commonly used psychedelics such as psilocin or DMT but considerably more likely to when compared to that of LSD. This can feel similar to the hallucinations which occur with 4-AcO-DMT but tends to occur almost exclusively at heavierdoses. Some of these effects include:

Cognitive effects

In comparison to other psychedelics such as psilocin, LSA and ayahuasca, AL-LAD is significantly more stimulating and fast-paced in terms of the specific style of thought stream which it produces and contains a large number of potential effects associated with both psychedelic tryptamines and phenethylamines. In comparison to LSD, it is often reported to be less anxiety-provoking and generally more emotionally comfortable and forgiving.
The most prominent of these cognitive effects generally include:

Cognitive euphoria - This component is, generally speaking less consistent and pronounced than it is with substances like psilocybin and MDMA. The mental euphoria experienced on AL-LAD is usually simply due to an enhancement of the user’s current psychological and emotional state coupled with its more regularly occurring effect, physical euphoria.

Auditory effects

Multi-sensory effects

Synaesthesia - In its fullest manifestation, this is a very rare and non-reproducible effect. Increasing the dosage can increase the likelihood of this occurring, but seems to only be a prominent part of the experience among those who are already predisposed to synaesthetic states.

Combination effects

Alcohol - Alcohol's central depressant effects can counteract some of the anxiety and bodily tension produced by AL-LAD. However, alcohol can cause dehydration, nausea and physical fatigue which can negatively impact the tone of the trip. Users are advised to pace themselves and drink a portion of their usual amount.

Benzodiazepines - Benzodiazepines are highly effective at reducing the intensity of AL-LAD's effects through the general suppression of brain activity.

Cannabis - Cannabis strongly intensifies the sensory and cognitive effects of AL-LAD. Extreme caution is advised when using this combination as it can significantly increase the chances of a negative psychological reaction like anxiety, confusion and psychosis. Users are advised to start off with only a fraction of their usual cannabis dose and take long breaks between hits to avoid over intake.

MDMA - AL-LAD and MDMA are highly synergistic and mutually enhance each other's physical, cognitive, and visual effects. The synergy between these substances is unpredictable so it is advised to start with markedly lower doses than one would take for each individually. There is some evidence that suggests that co-administration of LSD with MDMA increases the neurotoxicity of the latter,[6][7][8] and this may extend to AL-LAD.

Experience reports

There are currently 2 anecdotal reports which describe the effects of this compound within our experience index.

Toxicity and harm potential

The toxicity and long-term health effects of recreational AL-LAD use do not seem to have been studied in any scientific context and the exact toxic dose is unknown. This is because AL-LAD is a research chemical with very little history of human usage.

The body of anecdotal reports suggests that there are no negative health effects attributed to simply trying the substance by itself at low to moderate doses and using it very sparingly (but nothing can be completely guaranteed). Independent research should always be done to ensure that a combination of two or more substances is safe before consumption.

As with other psychedelic substances, there are relatively few physical side effects that have been reported associated with acute AL-LAD exposure. Although no formal studies have been conducted, it is likely that as with LSD itself, AL-LAD is able to be considered non-addictive, with an extremely low toxicity relative to dose.[9] It is also likely that as with LSD, there are little to no negative physical, cognitive, psychiatric or other toxic consequences associated with acute AL-LAD exposure.

However, as with LSD and psychedelics in general, it is possible that AL-LAD can act as a potential trigger for those with underlying psychiatric conditions. Those with a personal or family history of mental illness are generally advised not to use this substance, particularly outside of a supervised medical setting.

Tolerance and addiction potential

Although no formal studies have been conducted, it is not unreasonable to assume that as with LSD itself, AL-LAD is not habit-forming and that the desire to use it can actually decrease with use.

Tolerance to the effects of AL-LAD are built almost immediately after ingestion. After that, it takes about 5-7 days for the tolerance to be reduced to half and 14 days to be back at baseline (in the absence of further consumption). AL-LAD presents cross-tolerance with all psychedelics, meaning that after the use of AL-LAD all psychedelics will have a reduced effect.

Overdose

The LD50 of AL-LAD is unknown. Adverse psychological reactions are common especially at higher dosages. Some of these include anxiety, delusions, panic attacks and more rarely seizures. Medical attention is usually only needed if suspected of severe psychotic episodes or “fake acid” (such as 25i-NBOMe or DOB). Administration of benzodiazepines or antipsychotics can help to relieve the negative cognitive effects of AL-LAD.

Dangerous interactions

Although many psychoactive substances are reasonably safe to use on their own, they can quickly become harmful and even life-threatening when taken with other substances. The following section lists some known dangerous combinations, but it may not include all of them. Furthermore, a combination that seems to be harmless in low doses can still greatly increase the risk of injury or death when the doses are slightly increased. Independent research should always be conducted to ensure that a combination of two or more substances is safe to consume. Some interactions listed have been sourced from Tripsit.

Lithium - Lithium is commonly prescribed in the treatment of bipolar disorder. There is a large body of anecdotal evidence that suggests taking it with psychedelics significantly increases the risk of psychosis and seizures. As a result, this combination is strictly discouraged.

Cannabis - Cannabis has an unexpectedly strong and unpredictable synergy with the effects of psychedelics. Caution is advised with this combination as it can significantly increase the risk of adverse psychological reactions like anxiety, paranoia, panic attacks, and psychosis. Users are advised to start off with only a fraction of their normal cannabis dose and take long breaks between hits to avoid over intake.

Legal status

AL-LAD is currently a gray area compound within many parts of the world. This means that it is not known to be specifically illegal within most countries, but people may still be charged for its possession under certain circumstances such as under analog laws and with the intent to sell or consume.

Austria: AL-LAD is technically not illegal but it may fall in the NPSG (Neue-Psychoaktive-Substanzen-Gesetz Österreich) as an analogue of LSD.[citation needed]

Denmark: As of August 25th, 2015, AL-LAD is specifically named on the list of illegal substances[11]

Latvia: AL-LAD is illegal in Latvia. Although it isn't officially scheduled, it is controlled as an LSD structural analog due to an amendment made on June 1th, 2015.[12]

Sweden: Following its sale as a designer drug, AL-LAD was made illegal in Sweden on 26 January 2016.[13]

Switzerland: 21 additional chemicals were added to the list of illegal substances including AL-LAD in December 2015.[14]

United Kingdom: As of January 7th, 2015, AL-LAD is specifically named in the U.K. Misuse of Drugs Act as a Class A drug.[15]

United States: AL-LAD is unscheduled but can be considered to be an analogue of LSD, which would make it illegal to possess for human consumption under the Federal Analogue Act.